Saturday 11 June 2011

Highly Strung. Replacing Ercol Pirelli elastic rubber webbing



The natural rubber in the original webbing eventually biodegrades and sags


New webbing was ordered from http://skiddawupholstery.org.uk/ . It arrived promptly and fitted perfectly.

 

To help fitting I made this tool out of an old bicycle spoke.

Contrary to the advice in the Skiddaw leaflet it's better to fit the short webs first as the long ones are easier to stretch. I also avoided using the silicon spray they recommend as I don't think it would be good for the life of the rubber. There is a definite knack to doing this, you need a good strong pull. I used pliers to hold the spoke/tool and as the loop pulled through the frame I used my other hand on top to lock the strap and prevent it springing back. A case of little by little. Once the loop has come through far enough (and prevented from springing back by a thumb on top of the seat frame), remove the tool before inserting the dowel.


Tadaa!!!! The finished object.

14 comments:

  1. Hi Anthony,

    Do you have any recommendations for getting replacement cushions other than Ercol? They are quite pricey so was trying to find a good alternative.

    Rebecca

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  2. Not yet, but I have just acquired a couple of chairs whose cushion foam has started to disintegrate so will be researching this soon.

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  3. Hi Anthony. Enjoying your blog. I have a 203 which needs re-webbing and cushions. Did you ever source reasonably priced replacement foam cushions (with or without covers)?

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  4. I am looking at Safefoam for replacement cushions and covers. They are quoting in the region of £400 for cushions for day bed.
    Any other companies worth looking at?

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  5. Has anyone else had problems removing the old webbing? I've got the dowel out, but the webbing is stuck. The rubber has degraded and stuck fast together. Any ideas?

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  6. Only to pick it away carefully with a blunt blade, perhaps a little lighter fuel? Test on a hidden area of wood first.

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  7. Did you get ready made webbing from skiddaw or diy. I ask this as trying to suss out the length to make each strap

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  9. Hi Jezz. I bought them ready made from Skiddaw. I don't know the formula for DIY

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  10. I'm so happy to have found this Blog! I've just made my first 5 purchases of Ercol seating and have weeks of renovations ahead of me! My pieces will be shipped so I don't have them available to make a template for the 2-seater Jubilee seat cushion and cover.
    Can anyone assist here please?

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    Replies
    1. I recommend you to join the Ercol Furniture Fanatics Facebook group

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  11. Just wanted to add, I bought my straps from pandoras upholstery ercol webbing and they arrived quickly and fitted easily. Easy to use website and clear instructions on how to order and fit

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